LOIS M. COLLINS's Obituary
Lois M. Collins, 85, of L’Anse, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, following a short illness. Lois was born February 3, 1929 in Newberry, Michigan, the daughter of George and Elsie Wheeler. At an early age, she lived in Holy Family Orphanage in Marquette, Michigan and the Good Will Farm in Houghton, Michigan. She was adopted by Ivan and Mary (Melin) Rylander and attended school in Skanee, Michigan. She lived in Milwaukee for a time, returning to the Skanee and L’Anse area to live for the rest of her life. Lois took nurses aid training and cared for her mother, Mary, for many years.
Lois loved to sing and she had a beautiful voice that was admired by many. Later in life she developed a love of primitive folk art painting and showed her work in various galleries around the United States including the Outsider Art Fair in New York City and the Michigan Out of Doors Magazine titled Painting the U.P. One of her greatest joys was “finding” her sister, Nancy, after years of separation because of adoptions, and meeting her niece.
Lois is survived by sons James D. (Christine) of L’Anse, William of Rudyard MI, Terry (Wendy) of Ironwood MI, and Thomas (Susan) of Skanee, MI, grandchildren James C. Collins, Christopher Collins, James Dynes, Heather Sweeney, Shawn Collins, Joshua Collins, Laura Collins, Melissa Wood, Jason Collins, Daniel Collins, Amanda Collins, Thomas Collins, Carissa Daniels, and 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by special niece, Julie Millar of Chester, United Kingdom. She was preceded in death by her biological and adopted parents, her sister, and daughter-in-law, Alice Palmer Collins.
Funeral services for Lois were held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse MI, with Pastor Judy Mattson officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment took place in the Skanee Cemetery following the funeral service.
What’s your fondest memory of LOIS?
What’s a lesson you learned from LOIS?
Share a story where LOIS's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with LOIS you’ll never forget.
How did LOIS make you smile?